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Responsible Hosting Tips

Planning a party?

Great parties don’t just happen by chance. They’re the result of careful, detailed planning.

Along with carefully planning your event and getting organized, we have some suggestions to help you reduce the risks of alcohol-related problems when you entertain and ensure your guests arrive home safely.

Responsible hosting tips:

Never make drinking the focus of your event. If someone says no to a drink, be sure to offer them non-alcoholic alternatives such as a Mocktail, pop, juice, water or coffee.

Don’t plan sports or physical activities when you serve liquor. People are generally more prone to injury or mishap after drinking.

Serve plenty of high-starch, high-protein foods so no one drinks on an empty stomach. Salty, sweet and greasy snack foods increase thirst.

Serve measured drinks yourself or appoint a bartender – guests tend to drink more when there is an open bar.

If you serve an alcoholic punch, use a non-carbonated base, such as fruit juice. The body absorbs alcohol faster when mixed with carbonation.

Close down your bar at least an hour before the party officially ends. Offer guests desserts, coffee and other non-alcoholic drinks.

Make a plan to deal with any guests that drink too much. Ask someone responsible to help you monitor the situation.

Drink moderately yourself, so you’re better able to act quickly and avoid problems.

Find out how guests will be getting home from your party. Be prepared to ask for car keys and have cash and taxi numbers handy.

Do whatever it takes to keep anyone who has been drinking from getting behind the wheel of a vehicle. Be prepared for overnight guests – just in case!